Grain

Alternative Base

Alternative-base pasta is shaped dough made without traditional durum-and-water or soft-wheat egg formulas—rice, corn, chickpea, lentil, buckwheat (soba-adjacent), or mixed gluten-free blends. Protein-rich legume pastas brown and soften differently; rice pastas can turn soft if overcooked. Flavour ranges from neutral to beany or nutty. Follow package timing closely and taste early; many alternative pastas have a narrower al dente window. Rinse only if making cold salads and the brand suggests it. Match robust shapes and sauces to stronger-tasting flours; use milder rice or corn pastas when you want the sauce to lead.

Track this ingredient

Quantity

Unit

Kg Liters Whole

Note

Explore further

Buckwheat Pasta

Corn Pasta

Legume Pasta

Rice Pasta

Characteristics

Preparations

CookedFreshPrepared

Traits

Culinary PartVersatile

Nutrition

Typical values per 100 g edible portion. Nutrient names open the reference page.

Nutrition Facts

Per 100 g edible portion

Calories 337

Amount per 100 g

Total Fat 2.44 g
Saturated Fat 0.52 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Monounsaturated Fat 0.49 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.14 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 4.85 mg
Salt 0.01 g
Total Carbohydrate 71.1 g
Dietary Fibre 6.26 g
Total Sugars 0.99 g
Complex / starch 60 g
Protein 10.6 g
Water 11.7 g

Detailed nutrients

Energy 337 kcal
Water 11.7 g
Carbohydrates 71.1 g
- Sugars 0.99 g
- Starch 60 g
- Fibre 6.26 g
Protein 10.6 g
Fat 2.44 g
- Saturated Fat 0.52 g
- Monounsaturated Fat 0.49 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat 1.14 g
  - Omega-3 0.11 g
Vitamins 52.6 mg
- Vitamin A 15 µg
- Vitamin B1 — Thiamine 0.28 mg
- Vitamin B2 — Riboflavin 0.09 mg
- Vitamin B3 — Niacin 3.61 mg
- Vitamin B5 — Pantothenic Acid 0.54 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.22 mg
- Vitamin B7 — Biotin 2.6 µg
- Vitamin B9 — Folate 25.9 µg
- Vitamin C 2 mg
- Vitamin E 0.68 mg
- Vitamin K 1.7 µg
Minerals 252 mg
- Major Minerals 251 mg
  - Calcium 33 mg
  - Sodium 4.85 mg
  - Potassium 213 mg
- Trace Minerals 1.5 mg
  - Iron 1.5 mg
Salt 0.01 g

Vitamins

vitamin-c: 2 · vitamin-a: 15 · vitamin-b1-thiamine: 0.28 · vitamin-b2-riboflavin: 0.09 · vitamin-b3-niacin: 3.61 · vitamin-b5-pantothenic-acid: 0.54 · vitamin-b6: 0.22 · vitamin-b7-biotin: 2.6 · vitamin-b9-folate: 25.9 · vitamin-e: 0.68 · vitamin-k: 1.7 ·

Minerals

Sodium: 4.85 · Potassium: 213 · Calcium: 33 · Iron: 1.5 ·

Alternative Base of Pasta: composition reflects this culinary part relative to the whole ingredient.

History

1800

Alternative Base was separated in markets and kitchens as cooks specialised prep by plant or animal part.

1950

Retail packing made alternative base a familiar labelled form for home cooks.